Assessment of mangrove health and species biodiversity in protected and unprotected areas
Student background
Candidates will need a background in botany or marine biology and should also have experience working in the ocean (snorkelling and diving). Candidates should also have a good taxonomic knowledge of marine plants in SW Madagascar and the ability to work with identification keys is desirable.
Aim of the project
Assess success of protected area management on mangrove ecosystems.
Background Research
Candidates will need to be familiar with a general marine plant identification guide (for example, Richmond M.D.1997. A Field Guide to the Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands.). Candidates should also be familiar with a more specialized identification key of marine plants found in the western Indian Ocean. Candidates should also do a thorough literature search of possible indicator species of mangrove health and reactions to environmental variables (nutrient concentration, temperature, salinity, etc.) which would be useful for future monitoring projects.
Candidates will need a background in botany or marine biology and should also have experience working in the ocean (snorkelling and diving). Candidates should also have a good taxonomic knowledge of marine plants in SW Madagascar and the ability to work with identification keys is desirable.
Aim of the project
Assess success of protected area management on mangrove ecosystems.
Background Research
Candidates will need to be familiar with a general marine plant identification guide (for example, Richmond M.D.1997. A Field Guide to the Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands.). Candidates should also be familiar with a more specialized identification key of marine plants found in the western Indian Ocean. Candidates should also do a thorough literature search of possible indicator species of mangrove health and reactions to environmental variables (nutrient concentration, temperature, salinity, etc.) which would be useful for future monitoring projects.